The Beijing Olympic torch has arrived in London, where it is due to be carried aloft by a host of dignitaries, athletes and celebrities. This is the fourth stop in the Olympic torch relay outside China.
Jiang Xiaoyu (L front), the executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG), walks out of the cabin with the lantern which holds the Olympic flame in his hands at the airport in London, capital of Britain, April 5, 2008. London is the fourth leg of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games flame global tour.(Xinhua/Zhou Wenjie)
The torch race in London is scheduled to start Sunday morning, local time. The relay begins at Wembley and follows a route passing many of the city's famous landmarks, including Big Ben, London Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and the British Museum.
This young man is one of the 80 torchbearers to carry the flame across London.
A torchbearer said, "I feel very proud. It's very close to my club. "
Government officials say their preparations for the torch race started quite some time ago.
Jiang Xiaoyu (Front,R2), the executive vice president of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games (BOCOG), greets the representatives of London with the lantern which holds the Olympic flame in his hands at the airport in London, capital of Britain, April 5, 2008.(Xinhua/Zhou Wenjie)
Cultural advisor to Mayor of London Jude Woodward said, "We're pretty much there for the final moments planning details...We're just beginning to look forward to it. "
The 50 kilometer torch relay through London is the longest leg outside China.
